We're halfway through the off-season, and at last there's light at the end of the tunnel with the new season almost in squinting distance.

And, as ever, the only way for us racing anoraks to shoehorn ourselves into the new year is to get down to Birmingham NEC for the 2007 Autosport International show next weekend.

The event, which is renowned as the biggest and best motorsport show in the world, will be open to the public next Saturday and Sunday, and will again feature an impressive line-up of drivers, cars, manufacturers and live entertainment.

Autosport International tends to be the place where leading teams will announce their driver line-up for the coming year, while manufacturers will be taking the covers off several new cars.

Perhaps the most poignant launch will be that of Subaru's special edition Impreza WRX STI, which is being unveiled in memory of the UK's last WRC champ, Richard Burns, who lost his fight with cancer in 2005.

Former BTCC champions Vauxhall will also use the event to showcase the new Vectra, with which drivers Tom Chilton and Fabrizio Giovanardi will contest this year's Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship as the series moves to the Super 2000 specifications.

This year's show also looks to have the biggest driver line-up to date, with scores of big names dropping in over the weekend.

Double BTCC champ Matt Neal will be hosting an autograph session on Sunday, and double WTCC champion Andy Priaulx will officially open the show that day.

The F1 world will be represented by Super Aguri's Anthony Davison as well as Derek Warwick, who is the latest Le Mans legend to confirm his attendance.

Cumbria's Matthew Wilson, who is still Britain's youngest ever WRC pilot, will also be wandering about to meet fans, along with other big names like F3 champ Mike Conway and British GT stars Tim Mullen and Chris Niarchos.

The event kicks off with Press and trade days on Thursday and Friday, and Burning Rubber will be there from the start to get all the news and gossip as it happens.

Go and see live action

A trip to Autosport International is not complete without attending the live action arena, which as usual, organisers are keeping a secret.

No one ever knows just what we can expect to see during the 45-minute show, but it will always involve speed, noise, screeching brakes and loads of tyre smoke!

Performances tend to feature dozens of different cars - and sometimes bikes - and everything from stock car racing to drift demonstrations, along with celebrity guests and stunts.

And if you fancy getting a piece of the action yourself, head down to the Activity Hall (Hall Four) where you can have a try at karting on a massive track which is open all weekend. If you prefer less physical action, head down to the Stuff stand where you can try out one of the first few PS3 machines to land in the UK.

Tickets are available on the door for £26 adults - which includes admission to one live show and £18 for children.